The job that no one should have to do – collecting bodies from Libyan shores

21 Feb 2017

The volunteers of the Libyan Red Crescent Zawiya branch were called on Tuesday to assist the local authorities in collecting the bodies of at least 74 refugees and migrants who were washed ashore overnight.

Photos by Mohaned Krema and Amin Elamri, Libyan Red Crescent Society.

Libya is one the main routes for migrants trying to cross the Mediterranean in search of better future. The Libyan Red Crescent has taken the task of collecting the bodies of those unfortunate ones whose attempts to cross the sea fail. This is the highest number of bodies the Libyan Red Crescent has recovered on a single day.

The Libyan Red Crescent ensures that all bodies are treated in a respectful and dignified way. The bodies will be moved to a local hospital and then buried.

Prior to this latest tragedy, more than 270 people migrating are believed to have drowned in the Mediterranean in the first weeks of 2017, according to the International Organization for Migration (IOM).

All of the bodies were men of African origin. They are believed to have travelled in an inflatable boat that can hold up to 150 passengers. More bodies were expected to be washed ashore later in the day.

The IFRC calls for collective international action to avert further deaths like these which are tragic and entirely preventable.

The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies is the world's largest humanitarian network and is guided by seven Fundamental Principles: Humanity, impartiality, neutrality, independence, voluntary service, universality and unity.